River Cruises

The Most Romantic Activities in New York

Don't let New York City be exclusive to starry-eyed couples in the movies, take your own romantic cruise to the Big Apple

Posted on

09 Jun 2017

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply whisking a loved one away for a romantic break, booking a cruise holiday to your dream destination can be one of the most romantic trips you will ever take.

Cruises incorporate the best bits of a short city break, luxurious getaway and relaxing holiday, bringing them together in one unforgettable experience. While you can be wined-and-dined aboard your luxury cruise, you need a destination that is as comfortable and intriguing as the ship itself. From chic bars and restaurants to its iconic landmarks, we run through the most romantic activities in New York.

Visit Central Park

Central Park is one of the most popular locations in New York. Depicted in films as one of the most romantic places in the city, visiting the park is a must.

Enjoy a carriage ride through Central Park

Granted, you can happily walk around the park hand-in-hand enjoying the sights and grabbing a bite to eat, but why not take it up a notch? You can take a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park as you and your loved one cuddle up underneath a blanket.

Running throughout the year, the rides will take you past the best sights in the park including The Central Park Carousel, the zoo and the reservoir.

Hire a row boat in Central Park

Perhaps you want to have a more intimate experience of the Park? If so, you can hire a row boat to cruise up and down the Central Park Lake. As you and your date gently glide across the water you can see the hustle and bustle of the park in perfect tranquillity. Look out for the Bow Bridge. The picturesque bridge featured in the likes of Autumn in New York and Uptown Girls and is the perfect spot for a couples photo.

See the city’s skyline

The Big Apple’s iconic skyline is breathtaking, and bringing your partner to one of the best views in the city makes for a great romantic activity in New York.

Captured in photographs, drawings and paintings, the city’s dynamic backdrop can be enjoyed day or night in a number of locations. Once more, there are many opportunities to soak it up in a rooftop bar, garden, park or historical landmark.

You can walk along the Brooklyn Bridge and take in some of the best views of Manhattan, the harbour and Brooklyn. For the most romantic setting, head down at sunrise or sunset. Elsewhere, you can scale the Empire State Building, visit the hills of Governors Island or visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and soak up the setting on its roof garden.

Go stargazing in New York

With so much going on around you, you can be forgiven for occasionally looking up to the skies while you are on your luxury cruise to New York. There is simply so much to take in at ground level that it's easy to spend all of your time rushing from place to place.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the city, why not set aside an evening to go stargazing? There are a large number of places to get starry-eyed across the city and many clubs and organisations offer lectures and tours.

To incorporate one of the best evening walks with one of the finest sights of the sky, head to The Highline between April and October. This public park can be found on the upper west side of Manhattan, where every Tuesday telescopes are provided by the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York for free.

This wildflower lined pathway is one of the best-loved walks in the city, so why not gaze up into the sky along this old abandoned railway track.

Raines Law Room

After a day of sightseeing you may just want to sit down for a drink and a bite to eat. Raines Law Room is a low-lit underground speakeasy that is designed for an intimate experience.

You can enjoy the buzz of the bar or head to a cushioned alcove that offers floor-to-ceiling curtains allowing for added privacy. Each booth and table has its own call button – something that was widely used across taverns a hundred years ago – meaning that you can spend as much time with your partner as possible.

Casey from A Cruising Couple told us why they love heading to speakeasy bars across the city and what makes them a great romantic activity:

“We love visiting Speakeasies in New York. There are many that are still well-kept secrets, and to us, nothing says romantic like finding a quiet corner in a beautiful, 1920's era bar with bespoke cocktails. It's the perfect way to end an evening of sightseeing or grab a nightcap after a great evening of entertainment.”

Widely considered to be one of the most romantic bars in New York City, the Raines Law Room serves up Prohibition-era cocktails and fine wine using the finest fresh ingredients available.

Party at The Jane Ballroom

Make sure you pack your dancing shoes before heading to The Jane Ballroom. This hotel is one of the most popular settings for romantic dates in the city.

Dating back to 1908, the hotel was designed by William A. Boring, the man made famous for his work on the immigrant station at Ellis Island and has been a pillar for entertainment in New York ever since. Stepping into the hotel will feel like you have just walked into a movie.

Blake, a PR representative for the hotel, told us why it is a brilliant place to visit for romance:

“The Jane Ballroom, which functioned as the gritty Jane Street Theater and is the birthplace of the legendary rock musical “Hedwig and The Angry Inch,” is an intimate hideaway to admire. Grab a chair or comfy sofa with your loved one and take in the elaborate fireplace, salvaged from Belgium, and the rest of the room’s unique trinkets, from modern art and velvet-draped windows, to a stuffed ram and oversized disco ball. Order a Hellfire + Brimstone, made with Bruxo Mezcal, St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, and Hellfire Bitters, and cuddle up.”

Found in the leafy West Village – home to some of the most in-trend bars and restaurants in the city – the Bohemian décor complements the historic appeal of the hotel.

Take part in the Jazz Age Lawn Party

For something a little different, head to Governors Island and enjoy the razzle dazzle of a 1920s party. The Jazz Age Lawn Party is a tradition on the island which sees thousands head across on the ferry dressed head-to-toe in classic 1920s outfits. It doesn’t matter if you’re a natural at the Charleston or a complete novice, you can take it at your own pace as you break to sip on cocktails and appreciate the music from Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra.

Taking place on the 11th and 12th of June and again on the 26th and 27th of August this year, this is one of the best outdoor activities in New York and a unique romantic experience.

Catch a movie

Don’t confine yourself to an indoor cinema with popcorn crushed into the carpet, experience the stunning New York City skyline at the Rooftop Cinema Club.

This traditional date idea has been given a new lease of life. Offering up cult-classics and brand new releases, you can scan through the program to find your favourite film or a particularly romantic one.

Sitting in deckchairs allows you to fully embrace the outside world in complete comfort. Like with stargazing, this is another activity that gives you a chance to appreciate the bigger picture. Hosted across a number of venues, you will be blessed with unbelievable panoramic views of the skyline.

But how do you hear the movie on a roof in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world? Well, they’ve thought of that. Put on your individual headphones providing brilliant clarity, while allowing you to switch off from everyone else watching.

You’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to romantic activities in New York City. Whether your partner prefers a quiet and more intimate experience like a carriage ride, or dressing to the nines and showing off your best dancing moves, there is something for everyone.

Policies

This website is operated by Reader Offers Ltd (ABTA F9255 & W6277, ATOL 6010) trading as ROL Cruise.
Financial Protection: The flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme.
When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ensure that the details shown on your ATOL certificate are correct.